Random Copolymers Containing Specific Ratios of Negatively Charged and Aromatic Amino Acids Bind V3 Disulfide Loop and Neutralize Diverse HIV Type 1 Isolates

Abstract

Random copolymers of polyamino acids containing negatively charged and aromatic residues at specific ratios appear to bind HIV type 1 V3 loop and neutralize diverse laboratory isolates. At least the putative heparin binding domain and isoleucine residues in the amino half of V3 are involved in the interactions with these polymers. There are a number of interesting features common between these polymer's modes of binding to the V3 and the protease inhibition drug ABT-538.